Key Verse: “And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace”(Jeremiah 29:7).

Today’s passage gives account of a historical event in the life of Judah. The kingdom of Judah was taken into captivity by Babylon because they sinned against the Lord. Even in their captivity, the Lord God was mindful of His people. Through Prophet Jeremiah, He sent a message of hope, comfort and promise of better future to the captives.
God’s love for His children does not diminish even while reprimanding them. He is always waiting for them in their affliction to turn to Him in repentance. His reprimand is not for destruction but for correction. In this passage today, God gave the instruction to the captives to procreate so as not to diminish or go into extinction. It was God’s express will for the captives to become active in the nation where they lived, adding to the public welfare by praying and working for the peace of the nation. The peace of the nation was the key to their own peace.

This is also the express will of God for all people — free or bond, old or young, male or female in public or private service. God demands that all His children in whichever state or situation they find themselves, should work for the betterment of the society they live in to make the world a better place. To do anything other than this is hurtful not just to the society but also to the individual concerned; “for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace”. Therefore, stockpiling arms and ammunition to cause civil disturbance and make the society ungovernable or planning/participating in seditious activities are contrary to the will of God. And a true child of God must steer clear of all harmful, anti-social practices and norms.

Thought for the day: Better to be a solution provider than a conflict producer.

Bible Reading in one Year: Luke 9-10

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.